John O'Shea was left cursing the so-called luck of the Irish as Shaun Maloney's shot deflected off his back for a Scotland equaliser that will probably deny the Republic a place at Euro 2016.

In the closest of all the European Championship qualifying groups, it felt like every goal would count double on an emotional evening in Dublin that saw Robbie Keane come on as a substitute just days after the tragic death of two his cousins.

In a bubbling Aviva Stadium, Martin O'Neill's struck first in the Celtic derby when Jonathan Walters deservedly gave them the lead approaching the interval.

That was pretty breathless, wasn't it? Not much quality from either side, but so much passion and commitment on display.

Germany and Northern Ireland are among the teams kicking off in just over half an hour as this Saturday of international football rolls on, but I'm going to take a break.

If you still need your fix of football, Sportsmail's live coverage of the Copa America continues tonight with Argentina's first game of the tournament - Cristiano Ronaldo scored a hat-trick earlier, so you'd think Lionel Messi might be out to prove a point. That's how it usually works.

Well, Scotland are, for now at least, up to second place in Group D - but I think we can assume that Germany will squeak past Gibraltar later this evening.

Ireland, with Germany and Poland still to play, have to make up two points on Scotland in the final four games to have a chance of reaching France.

A tough ask.

18:54

Full time: Ireland 1-1 Scotland

Disappointment for Ireland, but a very, very big point for Scotland. Hard to say they didn't deserve it. Ireland were the more positive side, but they didn't create much against a really dogged Scottish defence.

18:54

All over?

Twice Ireland launch dangerous balls into the box - both times they win the first header, through Walters and then McClean, but both times Scotland clear.

I think that's going to be it. A huge defensive effort from Gordon Strachan's men.

18:52

Timewasting?

Naismith replaced by Berra - that took almost a minute, which should get added on later.

Time running out, and Scotland heading towards a very big point.

18:51

Into stoppages...

Another devilishly good ball into the box from Brady - he's been Ireland's best player in this second half - and another good defensive header from Mulgrew.

Three minutes on the board. Is that enough time?

18:49

88 mins: Tempers flaring

This is masterly from Scotland - they know Ireland need to win, so they just hold the ball and wait for their hosts to get impatient.

Eventually that leads to a dangerous cross, well defended by Brady.

As Ireland break there's a bit of nonsense between Naismith and McClean. Both men push, shove and put their heads in. Both are booked. Sensible from the referee, though he could have shown either a red.

18:46

86 mins: Final few minutes

Long ball forward, Shane Long flick, Robbie Keane bursting onto it... but the defender gets there first. Scottish hearts in mouths, that had all sorts of narrative about it!

18:45

82 mins: Set piece menace

As we approach the final minutes, it feels like a set piece is Ireland's best chance. First Robbie Brady launches a free kick into the box - beautiful delivery - and it wins his side a corner.

From that, James McClean goes close, and Ireland have another. Finally Scotland get it away, but those balls into the box have been more threatening than anything the hosts have created from open play.

Scott Brown is replaced by James McCarthur for Scotland.

18:42

80 mins: Friendly fire

What a chance for Scotland to win this! From a corner Steven Fletcher wins a knock-down and falls to the ground. The ball comes to Steven Naismith, but his shot from six yards smashes into the prone Sunderland man.

That probably should have been the end for Ireland. But they are still alive in this group.

18:40

79 mins: Long few minutes?

You can almost feel how much Robbie Keane wants this - he is everywhere. It's James McClean's introduction that has made more of an impact tactically, but the entrance of their leading man seems to have lifted Ireland mentally.

Still, the number of clear-cut chances has been limited, and Scotland will be pleased with that.

Here comes the final change, as Shane Long replaces the hard-working Daryl Murphy, who has been excellent for me, but has also missed Ireland's best chance so far...

18:37

75 mins; Keane gets a shot away

Keane looks determined to find that winner. He picks the ball up on the right flanks, twists and turns inside, and unleashes a stinging strike with his left foot.

It's straight at Marshall, and sticks in his midriff rather like those old Subbuteo keepers used to save the ball with a magnet! Powerful stuff, in more ways than one.

18:35

Sportsmail's Joe Bernstein at the Aviva Stadium

James McClean's arrival as sub was noisily greeted by Ireland fans. But the ovation of Robbie Keane as he just enters the field was another level of volume altogether. After the week he's had, Keane can't surely save Ireland again, can he?

18:35

Here comes Keane

Aside from the goal, this is the loudest the Aviva has been today, as Robbie Keane replaces Wes Hoolahan. What a story it would be if Keane, after such a terrible week, were to score the winner.

18:33

72 mins: Murphy showing effort

I really can't state just how much energy and enthusiasm Daryl Murphy has shown. He wins a corner by bursting down the left and putting in a cross, then a moment later throws himself at a difficult header, which goes over.

He's about to get a new partner up there...

18:32

70 mins: McClean to save the day?

McClean's introduction has given Ireland a bit more impetus. He earns a corner, and on comes the pressure. Charlie Mulgrew heads a Brady cross away for another, but eventually Marshall can gather and Scotland clear.

Ireland's turn to introduce a flying winger to try and change the game. Whelan, a walking red card today, is replaced, with James McClean coming on.

18:26

64 mins: Clawed away

What a save, Shay Given. Anya, yet again, makes progress down the right, his cross deflects off Seamus Coleman and looked like it was looping over the keeper, but he scoops it away. Unorthodox, but effective.

18:26

Around the continent

Elsewhere in this group, Poland have gone ahead, so they are now clear at the top of the group with Germany to play later.

In Armenia, Cristiano Ronaldo has a hattrick as Portugal have come from behind to lead 3-1.

18:24

63 mins: Breakaway

Brilliant again from Anya. He turns a man on the half-way line, plays it inside for Steven Naismith and sets off at a sprint to keep the over-hit return in play and win a corner.

It's Ireland who look the more likely to score from that set piece though, as they win the ball and break with six men, but a superb challenge stops the counter. Wes Hoolahan wanted a free kick, but it was very clean from Morrison.

18:21

Celebration time?

Remember, this would be a very good result for Scotland, keeping them two points clear of their hosts with four games to play.

A long way to go yet, both today and in the group, but a draw certainly suits the visitors.

Shaun Maloney of Scotland is mobbed by team mates after scoring

18:19

59 mins: Getting closer

Daryl Murphy continues to get into good positions, but he can't quite find the finishing touch. The Ipswich forward bursts between two Scottish defenders, but loses his balance and his shot has no power.

Jeff Hendrick is the latest Irish player fortunate to avoid a card, when he is penalised for leading with an arm.

18:17

57 mins: Silly O'Shea

John O'Shea, you have to be a bit cleverer than that. A long punt forward, and he should eat those up against a player the size of Steven Naismith.

But he pushes the Everton man, quite blatantly, and hands Scotland another chance, with a free kick 25 yards out.

Ireland get away with it, because the strike from Charlie Mulgrew was high, high over the bar, but still, silly boy.

18:16

55 mins: Impact

I don't want to labour the point, but Ireland aren't making much happen on the pitch with their possession, so I'll say it again.

Flower of Scotland rings round the Aviva, and this game has ignited. Marc Wilson puts in a nasty challenge on Steven Fletcher, and really should have been booked for that. I thought the official had put his hand in his pocket, but he decides against bringing out a card.

So much credit to Gordon Strachan - he made the change, and Ikechi Anya has been involved in everything so far in this half.

Again, though, it's Shaun Maloney who makes it happen for Scotland.

4 - Four of the seven players with 5+ goals in Euro 2016 qualification play for the home nations (Welbeck, Bale, Lafferty, Maloney). Spread.

More proper football in the first couple of minutes of the second half than we had in the first. Great build-up play en route to Maloney's deflected equaliser, and then Murphy unlucky not to put Ireland 2-1 ahead

18:10

48 mins: Great save

It's all happening here. David Marshall with a brilliant stop to deny Daryl Murphy, who shot hard and low after being played in down the left hand channel.

Jonathan Walters follows up - as ever - but his driven cross-shot is deflected behind.

18:06

GOAL! Ireland 1-1 Scotland (Maloney 46)

What an impact! Make a change at the break, and it brings a goal. Shaun Maloney exchanges passes with Anya and curls the ball towards goal.

It takes a big deflection off John O'Shea and nestles in the corner. What a start to the second half!

18:05

On comes Anya

A change at the break, Ikechi Anya comes on for Matt Ritchie. Will that change anything?

18:05

Contrast

Martin O'Neill's decision to go with Daryl Murphy, raised a few eyebrows, but it has really paid off so far.

The striker has been involved inside the box, just where you want him to be. Contrast that to Steven Fletcher at the other end, who has been everywhere but.

Just as we go into two minutes of stoppage time - most of which is a result of a head injury to Russell Martin - we have another break, this time for Jeff Hendrick.

The Derby man is ok though, and we're back underway soon enough.

17:47

45 mins: Set piece danger

Those Robbie Brady corners are really causing problems. The latest one bounces six yards out and spins out for a goalkick, but only after sparking complete panic in the Scottish defence. Gordon Strachan will be desperate for half time to sort it out.

17:44

Sportsmail's Joe Bernstein at the Aviva Stadium

Goal credited to Walters but what a great assist from Daryl Murphy. The Ipswich striker did so well to find space in a box and plant a header than rebounded off Marshall into the Stoke City player's path

The hosts almost grab another, as Wes Hoolahan leads a counter-attack. At one point the hosts had a three on three, but once the ball goes to James McCarthy on the edge of the box the move loses its impetus.

Incidentally, that Irish corner that led to the goal came from a looping Daryl Murphy header which was tipped over the bar. I don't want to stoke the fire, but Murphy was also offside when he headed that...

17:40

GOAL! Ireland 1-0 Scotland (Walters 38)

As expected, it's come from a set piece - and it should have been flagged offside - but Jonathan Walters has put the Republic of Ireland ahead.

Daryl Murphy meets a corner and heads at goal - unmarked - from close range. David Marshall did very well to keep it out, but lurking just two yards out, Walters pokes home. He was ahead of the play when the first header came, so should have been flagged, but it wasn't given.

17:38

35 mins: A lack of quality

Still very little to speak of in terms of goalmouth action. Scotland enjoying more of the ball, but doing next to nothing of note with it.

Neither Maloney nor Hoolahan, my two creative players to watch, have been able to get on the ball nearly enough today.

17:36

Sportsmail's Joe Bernstein at the Aviva Stadium

We have an unmelodramatic Italian in the house. Referee Nicola Rizzoli is the coolest customer on the pitch, even when both sets of players surrounded him following a nasty challenge by James McCarthy on Russell Martin.

McCarthy caught Martin on the nose with the top of his elbow and has become the second player in the book.

17:35

Elsewhere...

While neither side will be totally happy with this first 33 minutes, they'll be glad to know that Poland are still being held by Georgia. If the Georgians could hold on for a point, that would be seriously good news for these two.

17:33

29 mins: Flashpoint

James McCarthy goes into the book for a nasty looking collision with Russell Martin. The midfielder jumps for a header leading with his elbow.

I wouldn't suggest it was deliberate, but Martin needs some treatment. Players from both side crowd the referee, but, to his credit, the official stays calm. Just a yellow.

17:31

28 mins: Walters on the charge

Jonathan Walters is really causing some trouble down the right hand side. Twice in a matter of moments he gets a cross away - the first is too deep and cleared (via a completely absurd handball appeal), the second wins Ireland a corner. He's certainly a handful.

Unfortunately for both sides, there isn't much end product to go with all the very promising hustle and bustle.

17:29

Sportsmail's Joe Bernstein at the Aviva Stadium

Everton's Seamus Coleman likes to attack from right-back and he has just had an earful from his skipper John O'Shea, presumably for not judging when is the correct time to gallop forward.

17:28

25 mins: No half measures!

No prisoners are being taken out there. Robbie Brady, after winning a tackle, leaps for a header, and more or less flattens Matt Ritchie.

Again, the referee acknowledges the foul but lets play go one. That was slightly brutal!

Ireland are buzzing around when they don't have possession, so eager to win it back.

17:25

Sportsmail's Joe Bernstein at the Aviva Stadium

The experiment to start with Derby County's Jeff Hendrick has been a big success for Martin O'Neill so far.

Hendrick is everywhere, offering defensive protection in the middle of the park one minute, then bursting down the right to create danger the next. Energy to burn and he's unsettling Scotland.

17:25

22 mins: Brady into the bunch

You fancy Ireland from set pieces today, and if Robbie Brady can continue to deliver like that they have a real chance. His corner is cleared, but it was into a perfect area, really inviting, without giving the goalkeeper a chance to come and claim.

Whelan, who is having a strange game so far, plays a pretty terrible pass straight out of play to end that spell of pressure.

17:23

19 mins: Whelan booked

With only 20 minutes played, you don't want your combative midfielder walking a tight-rope. But Glenn Whelan puts in a silly tackle on Steven Fletcher, and there's no option but to book him. Silly boy.

The resulting free kick, from a dangerous area, is too long, and drifts out for a goal kick.

17:21

17 mins: Back-pass?

A little bit of upset around the Aviva (and from the two Irishmen in Mail HQ!) as Matt Richie diverts a dangerous cross into the hands of his own keeper.

No intent there, he had no idea where he was kicking it, so a correct call - not a back pass.

17:18

15 mins: Slowing down

Perhaps unsurprisingly, given the start, it has all eased off a bit here. Both sides look happy to pass the ball around at the back for a bit.

Side to side, rather than too many vertical passes at the moment. Eventually Glenn Whelan smashes a shot over from 30 yards. Miles over.

17:15

Sportsmail's Joe Bernstein at the Aviva Stadium

Ireland came flying out the traps but a great dig by Steven Fletcher tipped over by Shay Given reminded the home fans that Gordon Strachan's side have quality in their ranks. This match promises to be as close as most people predicted.

17:15

12 mins: Let it flow, let if flow, let it flow

A couple of meaty Irish challenges coming in as Scotland put together their first bit of meaningful possession.

The visitors moved the ball nicely, and twice the referee had to play advantage following some pretty hefty tackles.

In the end Steven Naismith, bursting into the box, just can't get to the ball. Promising signs though.

Seamus Coleman of Republic of Ireland takes on James Morrison

17:13

9 mins: Fletcher gets a shot off

A first chance for Shaun Maloney to get on the ball in a dangerous position, and it produces the first chance.

The midfielder feeds Steven Fletcher, who needs no invitation to shoot. Shay Given tips the shot, which was probably going over anyway, behind for a corner.

That set piece leads to another, but eventually Ireland get a goal kick. Better from Scotland.

17:10

7 mins: Strong start

Scotland just look to lower the temperature with a bit of possession, but as soon as Martin O'Neill's side get the ball back they pour forward.

Hoolahan and Coleman combine nicely down the right, where the home side seem to be focusing their attacking play, but the Everton full back's cross is poor.

17:08

5 mins: End to end

A first attack from Scotland, on the counter, ends when Steven Naismith scuffs a shot wide from 25 yards.

Craig Forsyth then makes a little error, and almost allows Murphy in, but recovers at the expense of a corner. David Marshall claims confidently, but it's been a 100mph start.

17:06

4 mins: Ireland on top

No doubt about the early pattern of play, Ireland are all over this so far!

Jonathan Walters gets in down both flanks, but neither cross is good enough - really enterprising play from the forward though.

And if you want a taste for how positive Ireland have started, Seamus Coleman just put in a challenge on the edge of the Scotland box. Seriously attacking.

17:05

Sportsmail's Joe Bernstein at the Aviva Stadium

A very moving moment as the whole of the stadium pays tribute to Robbie Keane's two cousins with a moment's applause.

Keane looked close to tears as he joined in, and so did Irish captain John O'Shea. The football is now underway and you can't believe the passion in Dublin.

17:04

1 mins: Nervy start

Not what you need at the beginning of a big game! Russell Martin almost gifts Daryl Murphy the ball through on goal, but Charlie Mulgrew just about covers. Almost a nightmare start for the visitors.

Ireland playing really positively, and Wes Hoolahan almost gets on the ball on the edge of the box. That's a really encouraging side for the home side.

17:02

Here we go!

Scotland, playing in white, get us underway. A huge 90 minutes ahead!

17:01

Almost ready...

Pleasantries are over. We could not be more ready. The stadium is buzzing, with the Tartan Army in full voice and the home fans providing a sea of green.

Just a moment of respect for a number of people connected to Irish football who have died recently, including Robbie Keane's two cousins.

Cries of 'Keano' ring out around the Aviva - the man himself looks remarkably composed.

16:58

Managerial battle

You've probably watched enough football to know what the national anthems sound like, so I won't bore you by describing them in detail - apart from to mention that there is a good deal of Scottish support inside the Aviva today.

What I will bring your attention to, is that, as I'm sure you know, this game has another sub-plot that I haven't yet touched on - it is the battle of the former Celtic managers.

Both Martin O'Neill and Gordon Strachan had significant success at the Glasgow club, with the Scotland manager succeeding the Ireland one. But who will come out on top today?

16:55

Sportsmail's Joe Bernstein at the Aviva stadium

As you'd expect, the noise is ear-splitting inside The Aviva Stadium for a Celtic derby. The President of Ireland, Michael D Higgins, is here and being introduced to both teams.

16:53

Here come the teams!

Still eight minutes until kick off, but with anthems and introductions to come, the players are already out.

The former Manchester United midfielder, with socks pulled up all the way, has been glowering around the pitch in that way only he can, taking the warm-up.

He looks fired up!

16:49

Sportsmail's Joe Bernstein at the Aviva Stadium

Republic of Ireland legend Mark Lawrenson has just been interviewed on the big screen and been his usual sardonic self.

Referring to Martin O'Neill's team selection, Lawro said: 'Me and Paul McGrath have got four different formations written upstairs, we can't work it out. Maybe that is why Martin has done it, Gordon won't know the formation either.'

Lawrenson is delighted Norwich's Wes Hoolahan is getting a rare start. 'He is the best passer we've got and can see a pass,' he said.

16:45

Men to watch

In the Irish side, there is obvious quality all around - Seamus Coleman and Robbie Brady are quality, John O'Shea will organise the defence, and Jonathan Walters is a proven Premier League player up front.

So it's in between that they need to prove themselves, and Wes Hoolahan could well be the key to that. The diminutive midfielder can be a real star, as he has shown for Norwich this season, driving them to promotion, but he can have the tendency to go missing.

He needs to turn up, and be at his best, for Ireland to be at their best. If he does, expect chances to flow.

16:42

Men to watch

Who are the key men today? Well, I'll have you know I had a lovely bit prepared on Ikechi Anya for Scotland, but he's on the bench, so I've gone for Shaun Maloney for the visitors.

He has been a big part of Scotland's revival under Gordon Strachan, and the major reason they are sitting pretty in third place in the group. If he plays well he can make this side tick - not to mention the goals he contributes...

4 - Shaun Maloney has netted four goals from just six shots on target in Euro 2016 qualifying. Pinpoint.

For Scotland, the pressure is a little less severe. A win today would open up that lovely gap over their opponents, but a defeat would only see them a point behind the Republic, with four games to play.

A first major tournament since 1998 would be firmly on the horizon if they could snatch three points here...

16:22

What's at stake - Ireland

In many ways this game is more important for the hosts than Scotland.

Having been at the last Euros in 2012, they are the closest of the teams from these islands to missing out this time around. Wales more or less booked their place in France last night, England are all but there, while even Northern Ireland are in a commanding position.

The Republic, on the other hand, would be in real trouble if they were to lose today, in all likelihood slipping five points off the play-off spot.

It's a must-win.

16:14

Sportsmail's Joe Bernstein at the Aviva Stadium

There is a genuine surprise in the line-ups named by Martin O'Neill and Gordon Strachan. Daryl Murphy of Ipswich Town will start up front instead of Shane Long, a proven Premier League striker with West Brom, Hull and Southampton, but who hasn't always peaked for his country.

Strachan's decision not to start Ikechi Anya has also raised eyebrows, he has been one of Scotland's best players in the Euro 2016 campaign so far.

But I've been chatting to Pat Nevin, a more-than-useful wide player for Scotland in his day, and he thinks Strachan believes Anya may be better utlised to being an impact player in the last 20 minutes when Ireland are tiring.

Ikechi Anya (centre) has been left out, but could be useful later on

16:11

Scotland team news

Fewer problems for Gordon Strachan, but a few slight surprises - Craig Forsyth starts at left back, ahead of Hull's Andy Robertson, while Ikechi Anya is left out.